Universal in June/Express Pass

[jerseypixie]

Planning a trip to Universal for 4 nights next summer after our cruise. Started pricing options and got a rate of $90/night at Hyatt Place Orlando. Wanted to know if we should buy the VIP Express Pass ( 2 adults & 2 kids) and stay at the Hyatt or stay on site.

We are going in June and the price difference is about $400 less to stay at Hyatt. Also, how crowded is the end of June, would we need the express passes.

Thank you

 

[taliategan]

I was at US the last weekend of June last year and expecting the worse as far as crowds. The Express Pass for the Saturday was at the highest price, but was only going to buy it if the parks became crowded early. I went to the parks both days at 8:30 a.m, & the parks opened at 8:45 a.m. Between opening and about 11:00 a.m., almost all rides were walk-on or very minimal waits. The parks did get crowded after 11:00, and the more popular rides had wait times in the afternoon of anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. I did not see anything posted over 60 minutes. If you do not have express pass, I would suggest getting at the parks at opening and doing the "big" rides in the first two hours. You can do the shows and the less popular rides in the afternoon or take a break and come back (I believe the parks at the end of June are open to 9:00 p.m.).

 

[donaldduck352]

You gotta remember that HP will be open then and all crowd predictions are off.You'll be surprised of how many HP fans are out there.
Express passes will go up,even during the week,ticket prices will increase and so will lodging.
I would say book on-site now and purchase the 7day pass now.I know $400 seems like alot,but the perks you get with it pays for itself.
I have stayed offsite and never will again.The hassle of driving and parking is'nt worth it to me.Just hopping on A boat and going back to the resort at my liesure is priceless.I don't have to wait for nothing.Once your there you don't have or want to leave!!



IMO only

 

[donaldduck352]

Forgot to add,keep A eye on this thread.Sometimes you can get A better rate by looking at what others have booked:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2245251

 

[rpbert1]

i agree with donaldduck352, with HP opening i would expect it to be quite crowded, this June/July was not overly crowded compared to previous years, but staying onsite and not having to worry about being at the gate for opening is a great bonus, we would spend a lot of time at the pool before hitting the parks, and sometimes do not go till the evening, and being able to walk to Citywalk for an evening out and a few beers without the worry of who will be driving, and FOTL for your stay as opposed to VIP for the day

 

[ky07]

I agree with Donald and Robert cause with Harry Potter being open it will be extremly busy and if you can afford to stay onsite I would suggest it and the extra money you would pay to stay onsite is well worth it

 

[rpbert1]

I agree with Donald and Robert cause with Harry Potter being open it will be extremly busy and if you can afford to stay onsite I would suggest it and the extra money you would pay to stay onsite is well worth it

So whats your planned dates lawerence, we arrive July 7th

 

[ky07]

So whats your planned dates lawerence, we arrive July 7th

Right now its uncertain cause we don't know if we can afford it this year but if this change I will let you know cause DW is upset cause she looked foward to seeing you guys in July